Duluth updates development code on street lights and final-plat text box; accessory-structure item removed

The Duluth Mayor and Council approved two amendments to the Unified Development Code on July 13.

Deputy Director Aron Hall presented TA2026-004, an amendment to Article 9 that requires developers to follow ANSI/IES RP-822 and Georgia Power guidelines for lighting, submit a photometric plan, and meet roadway clearance standards; the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval and council adopted Ordinance O2026-26. Council discussed whether to mandate LED lighting; staff and the mayor cautioned against specifying particular technologies, preferring to rely on standards and Georgia Power guidelines.

Council also approved TA2026-006 to Article 11 to allow a final-plat signature/text box variant for plats that do not dedicate infrastructure to the city; Planning Commission and staff recommended approval and council adopted Ordinance O2026-28. An accessory-structures amendment (TA2026-005) was removed from the agenda and not considered.

These changes clarify submittal expectations for developers and provide procedural flexibility for final plats that do not convey infrastructure to the city. Implementation will be handled through the Planning and Engineering review process.